There are many terms in the English language that students frequently misspell. This may be because similar words in other languages are spelled differently, or the pronunciation of a word does not align with the spelling completely. One of the most commonly made spelling mistakes is made in the word “separate.” This article will outline everything you need to know about it.
The correct spelling of “separate”
The word “separate” can function as an adjective and a verb and has only one correct spelling, as it derives from the Latin word “separatus.”
Correct spelling
separate
Incorrect spelling
seperate
The correct spelling of “separate” is with two “e” and two “a.” The most common misspelling is that the second “a” is replaced with an “e”, which is always incorrect. When pronouncing the word, it often sounds like the “e” is in that position, however, it is always spelled with an “a.” Although, dialects play a huge role in pronunciation, spelling rules are always universally valid.
Examples: “separate” as a verb
- You have to separate the recyclables from the regular trash.
- The teacher asked the students to separate into groups for the project.
Examples: “separate” as an adjective
- The twins each have their own separate bedrooms.
- The company operates in two separate divisions.
Mnemonic for spelling “separate”
Often it’s hard to remember the correct spelling of specific words. Fortunately, there’s a mnemonic for spelling “separate” correctly, so it’s easier to remember for you.
Note: A mnemonic for spelling “separate” correctly is that there is “a rat” in the word.
⇒ Visualize “a rat” in the middle of the word “separate” like this: sep -“a rat”- e.
The correct spelling of “separately”
The correct spelling of “separately” is identical to the correct spelling of “separate”. Since “separately” is the adverb of “separate”, you have to use the same spelling with an “a” as the second vowel. In this case as well, this is the only correct spelling.
Correct spelling
separately
Incorrect spelling
seperately
As you can see, the spelling of separately is identical. You just have to add the ending “-ly” because of its word form as an adverb.
Examples
- The items can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle.
- Please submit your reports separately to ensure accuracy.
FAQs
The correct spelling is “separate” with two “e” and two “a.”
“Separately” is the adverb of “separate.” The noun of “separate” is “separateness” or “separation.”
Example of using “separately”: “Even though they were in the same course, they chose to work on their tasks separately to encourage independent thinking.”
The only correct spelling is “separate” with an “a” in the middle.
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